The Journey - Part 20

A lot of good has happened this week!

• I am consistently eating real food! It may be just a few tablespoonfuls a day, but it’s increasing, along with increased energy. My salty taste buds are returning, and I can sense a bit of sweet periodically. Mouth sores and sensitivity continue to be a battle, so I am limited on what I can eat, but it’s a start!
• I am completely off my medications! Pain, nausea, acid, and sleeping pills. My sleep habits are still a little out of whack, but whenever I wake up it’s a good reminder to pray. Many of you have been prayed for at 3 a.m. between sips of “Sleepy Time” tea.
• I was able to attend church service this morning. I have missed my amazing church family and worshipping with them. It felt good to be home!
• I plan to ease back into my job this week part-time. It’s time. I’m ready.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your prayers. As always, I am ever grateful.

Back to His Purpose

I hope you remember my friend “E” I mentioned in some earlier posts. I hadn’t heard from him in quite some time and out of the blue, “E” texted my friend “T” asking about me. This might not seem too significant except that he had never initiated contact with my friend “T”—it had always been her contacting him first. So this was huge that he would contact her…and specifically ask about me. It wasn’t surprising that for several days God kept putting “E’s” name on my heart. So after his hearing of his text, I knew it was time to contact him. Once again I prayed for direction and discernment.

Because of mouth sores, forming certain words is still a battle, so I decided to text “E”. God gave me the exact words to say, and within five minutes I had a welcoming response from him! I am positive that God desperately desires a relationship with “E”—this man that openly rejects the cross and the gift of salvation. Even in his lost state, clearly, God still adores him.

I know I shouldn’t be surprised at what God is doing, but seeing His hand in all of this is simply amazing to me. And I am extremely humbled to be a part of God’s plan. I covet your prayers as God leads me to boldly minister Christ.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. –2 Corinthians 2:14

The Journey - Part 19

Giving Thanks!

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but I have much to be thankful for:

• My neck burns from the radiation have made significant progress in healing.
• I’ve been able to eat some “real food” this week, i.e., vegetable soup—only a couple of tablespoonfuls, but I’ll take it. I was so excited to achieve eating, that I popped an M&M in my mouth to celebrate and instantly got a bitter cocoa taste. An abrupt reminder that my sweet taste buds are nil. Baby steps.
• Along with healing on my neck, swallowing has become easier so I know internally the healing is taking place, as well. Yay!
• Energy levels are increasing and medications are decreasing. Down to one nap a day!
• My hair is growing back! I’ve been pondering the question “When is the right time to stop coloring your hair?” (Confession time: Yup, I do.) The time in NOW! So unless some of my natural auburn decides to make an appearance anytime soon, the next time you see my head it will be sporting the ever so popular “salt and pepper” look. It’s growing fast. Not to brag, but you should see my leg hair.
• I’m excited and thankful to be able to attend our annual Hanging of the Greens service tonight at church—one of my favorite services. I haven’t been able to go to church in weeks so this will be quite the treat! 

God continues to be gracious and His blessings never cease. I pray that in the midst of our beautiful relationship with Him we will always acknowledge and embrace His goodness. God is good, all the time. Happy Giving Thanks!